March 26, 2005: Headlines: Staff: Politics: Congress: Charleston Gazette: Senator Jay Rockefeller believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him

Senator Jay Rockefeller believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him

We thought it was going to be just another day at Scott High School when we walked into the gym March 11, but we were in for a big surprise. U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., was coming to speak to two groups of students that very afternoon.

Of course, all of Scott's teachers were in a frenzy making sure rooms were tidy and students were on their best behavior. It's not often that someone of Rockefeller's rank pays a visit to such a rural community.

Rockefeller met with two classes: economics and computer applications. He stressed the fact that it is important for high school seniors to discuss and become involved in political issues now that the time has come for them to be voting citizens.

He knew a lot of us were uneasy about openly discussing issues with him, so he did his best to help his audience feel comfortable. He spoke of his childhood and of his experiences early in life.

One of the most interesting ideas Rockefeller brought up was that he believes every young American should give up at least a year of service to the Peace Corps or a similar organization. He shared the fact that he did this very thing when he was young, and it was an amazing experience for him.

"I was impressed with Senator Rockefeller's emphasis on doing missionary work and its ways for students to find a new direction for their lives," economics teacher Tom Bias said.

Gradually, students became more comfortable with the fact that Rockefeller was actually in their classroom. They got over the initial shock of the fact that he stands more than 6 feet tall. His stature definitely made things intimidating at first.

Students asked questions about the war in Iraq, national debts, the draft and higher education. Rockefeller answered everything they asked. He stressed his personal stances, but also asked for students' opinions on certain issues. It was evident that he cares what young people have to say.

"He said some real thought-provoking things that opened up my views to politics," senior Josh Shadd said.

It also was apparent that Rockefeller loves what he does. He said he doesn't see himself getting out of the spotlight anytime soon. He also stressed the fact that public speaking is a big part of being a U.S. senator. Public opinion plays a major role in the way he handles issues.

"Senator Rockefeller was down-to-earth," senior Candess Workman said. "He had a direct answer for every question and didn't dance around the issues."

Vice Principal Doug Cox agreed. "Senator Rockefeller made sure all answers were complete. He gave the impression that he was more than just a representative of the people, and very accessible to his constituents."

Students seemed pleased that Rockefeller recognized Scott High School, even though it is located in a very small community. Some of the things he said made us think, see things more clearly or consider issues from a different perspective. Sometimes it takes more than CNN for teens to become interested in what is going on around the rest of the world. This may have done the trick.

When this story was posted in March 2005, this was on the front page of PCOL:

The Peace Corps LibraryPeace Corps Online is proud to announce that the Peace Corps Library is now available online. With over 30,000 index entries in 500 categories, this is the largest collection of Peace Corps related stories in the world. From Acting to Zucchini, you can find hundreds of stories about what RPCVs with your same interests or from your Country of Service are doing today. If you have a web site, support the "Peace Corps Library" and link to it today.

Crisis Corps arrives in ThailandAfter the Tsunami in Southeast Asia last December, Peace Corps issued an appeal for Crisis Corps Volunteers and over 200 RPCVs responded. The first team of 8 Crisis Corps volunteers departed for Thailand on March 18 to join RPCVs who are already supporting relief efforts in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and India with other agencies and NGO's.

RPCVs in Congress ask colleagues to support PCRPCVs Sam Farr, Chris Shays, Thomas Petri, James Walsh, and Mike Honda have asked their colleagues in Congress to add their names to a letter they have written to the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee, asking for full funding of $345 M for the Peace Corps in 2006. As a follow-on to Peace Corps week, please read the letter and call your Representative in Congress and ask him or her to add their name to the letter.

Add your info now to the RPCV DirectoryCall Harris Publishing at 800-414-4608 right away to add your name or make changes to your listing in the newest edition of the NPCA's Directory of Peace Corps Volunteers and Former Staff. Then read our story on how you can get access to the book after it is published. The deadline for inclusion is May 16 so call now.

March 1: National Day of ActionTuesday, March 1, is the NPCA's National Day of Action. Please call your Senators and ask them to support the President's proposed $27 Million budget increase for the Peace Corps for FY2006 and ask them to oppose the elimination of Perkins loans that benefit Peace Corps volunteers from low-income backgrounds. Follow this link for step-by-step information on how to make your calls. Then take our poll and leave feedback on how the calls went.

Make a call for the Peace CorpsPCOL is a strong supporter of the NPCA's National Day of Action and encourages every RPCV to spend ten minutes on Tuesday, March 1 making a call to your Representatives and ask them to support President Bush's budget proposal of $345 Million to expand the Peace Corps. Take our Poll: Click here to take our poll. We'll send out a reminder and have more details early next week.

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Story Source: Charleston Gazette

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Staff; Politics; Congress

I am trying to track down the email address of Scott Young, a peace corp guy who was working teaching diving in Leyte, the Philippines until last year. If you can help me please email nickos44@yahoo.com.au,

thanks

Nick

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